Is the H-2A Program a Fit for Your Cattle Operation?
Jamie Hauge and his family have been ranching and farming in North Dakota for generations. They have used the H-2A program for over 17 years as a method of combatting labor challenges and acquiring seasonal labor to keep their diversified operation moving forward. Hauge shares the pros and cons of the program, what it looks like to go through the program as well as tips on being on effective leader and manager on your farm and ranch.
Pros and Cons of the H-2A Program for Cattle Producers
Hauge makes it clear that the H-2A program has been more effective for their farming enterprise than their cow-calf enterprise. He knows individuals who have made it work to use H-2A employees for their cow-calf operations, but this is not the case for his family. This is due to the program only providing seasonal labor and the government’s understanding of production agriculture. Hauge says they use H-2A employees as a supplemental workforce. They have full-time employees to serve as their reliable workforce.
The benefits of the H-2A program are that people from all over the world can come to work with you. You, your family and your other employees build amazing friendships with these employees. The program also provides you with seasonal labor as H-2A employees are present on the operation for about 9 months if all goes smoothly. The program has advanced Hauge’s operation but it has also presented challenges.
The challenges of the H-2A program are that you need to stay true to the job description you provided when applying for visas. For example, if you do not mention calving; your employees cannot assist you with calving. Cost is another challenge of the program. As an employer, you pay for the plane ticket, housing and wages for your employees just to name a few of the expenses. At the end of the work season, it can come out to over $20/hr for each employee.
Tips for Being an Effective Leader
Hauge says he is still old school when it comes to management and knows that he manages differently than his brother. However, one thing that has been effective to keep good employees is offering a sense of ownership through more responsibility. They made the shift on their operation to hire middle management positions to accomplish this. Creating a family atmosphere also helps keep the right employees around whether it is going to church together or having meals together.
Overall, the H-2A program has its place and provides many benefits for those in production agriculture. If you are in need of seasonal labor and can afford it, it is a great fit. However, the government needs to make a few changes on their end to help make the program better and even more effective for cow-calf producers, farmers and diversified operations. Talk to others who have utilized this program and make sure you find the right agency to get you started if you decide to participate.
